The Oregon Historical Society (OHS) is delighted to announce the 2023 Oregon History Maker honorees. First celebrated in 2009, the annual Oregon History Makers Awards & Dinner recognizes contemporary individuals and organizations that are positively shaping the history, culture, and landscape of Oregon. The event also supports the Oregon Historical Society’s important work to collect, preserve, and interpret Oregon’s past.
The 2023 Oregon History Makers are:
Tillamook County Creamery Association
Beloved Oregon Brand
Founded in 1909 as a farmer-owned cooperative, Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) prides itself on its commitment to bringing to market the best-tasting, highest-quality dairy products made in the most natural way possible. Guided by the belief that everyone deserves real food that makes them feel good every day, Tillamook® produces internationally recognized, award-winning cheese as well as exceptional dairy products including ice cream, butter, and yogurt. Today, Tillamook® is in one in four households in the United States and recently exceeded $1 billion in retail sales. TCCA operates production facilities in both Tillamook and Boardman, Oregon, and employs more than 900 people throughout the state. As a Certified B Corporation®, TCCA upholds a commitment to being good stewards of cows, farms, communities, and the environment.
“For over a decade, the Oregon Historical Society has celebrated Oregon’s living leaders, highlighting individuals and businesses who work tirelessly to make our state, and our world, a better place,” said OHS Boyle Family Executive Director Kerry Tymchuk. “This year’s honorees all exemplify the best of what our state has to offer, and the OHS Board of Trustees will be delighted to present Sarah Mensah, Brian Obie, Liz Shuler, and Tillamook County Creamery Association with the Oregon History Makers Award this year.”
Sarah Mensah
Transformative Sports Industry Executive
A graduate of Aloha High School and the University of Oregon, Sarah Mensah has forged a pathbreaking career in both the professional sports and athletic apparel industries. She spent almost two decades with the Portland Trail Blazers, eventually becoming one of the highest-ranking woman executives in professional sports. In 2013, Mensah joined Nike — Jordan Brand. Today, she serves as Vice President/General Manager, North America, at Nike, the first Black woman to hold that position, and excels at developing, empowering, and guiding culturally diverse cross-functional teams through periods of change and growth.
Liz Shuler
Pathbreaking Union President
A native of Milwaukie, Oregon, Liz Shuler made history in 2021 when she was elected as the first woman president of the AFL-CIO, a federation of 56 unions with 12.5 million members. The daughter of parents who both worked for Portland General Electric, Shuler began her career working for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in Oregon (IBEW) before becoming chief of staff for the IBEW president. A visionary leader and longtime trade unionist, Shuler believes the labor movement is the single most powerful vehicle for progress and that unions are a central force in leading lasting societal transformations.
Brian B. Obie
Visionary Business and Civic Leader
Brian Obie’s revolutionizing leadership has left an indelible mark on Eugene, Oregon, creating upscale environments that celebrate local art, food, and businesses. As president and principal owner of Obie Companies, Inc., his catalog of commercial and development accomplishments includes two nationally-acclaimed hotels in Eugene — the luxurious Inn at the 5th and the art-centric Hotel Gordon, named after his father — and a third, The Inn at 500 Capitol, located in Boise, Idaho. Obie is also responsible for the development of the 5th Street Public Market, and the new, beautifully designed Market Alley in Eugene. As a community volunteer, Obie has served on the Eugene City Council, as Mayor of Eugene, and as president of the University of Oregon Foundation.
